KUALA LUMPUR: Egyptian karate coach Tamer Abdelraouf Mohamed Mourssy has parted ways with the national team.
The 41-year-old said in an Instagram post that he was leaving after two years with the Malaysian Karate Federation (MAKAF).
It is learnt that both Tamer and MAKAF decided to not extend their contract.
Tamer, who was appointed national coach in February, 2023, helped Malaysia win the men's under-84kg kumite gold at the Asian Games for the first time in 12 years. His charge, Arif Afifuddin Malik, triumphed last year in Hangzhou.
The Egyptiam said it pains him to leave the Malaysian karatekas, with whom he had spent more time with than with his own family.
He thanked MAKAF president Datuk Nur Azmi Ahmad, hte National Sports Council and the National Sports Institute for their support and cooperation.
"After nearly two years as the head coach of the Malaysian national karate team, I'm returning to my beloved Egypt for good. Praise be to Allah, it has been a successful journey during which I achieved my goal.
"What pains me the most is parting with the athletes. We spent more time together than they did with their own families. We shared many dreams, some of which we realised, while others were not meant to be. They were my true family during my time away.
"The tears they shed at the moment of farewell are something I will never forget, no matter how much time passes."